CalFresh EBT fraud wiped out my entire month's benefits - any way to get it back?

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, this is a growing problem with CalFresh EBT cards. They use outdated magnetic stripe technology without chip protection, making them easy targets for skimmers. You need to report this to your county office immediately, not just the EBT customer service line. Ask specifically for a "benefits replacement due to theft" investigation. They might be able to help in cases where the physical card was still in your possession. In the meantime, reach out to local food banks - most counties have emergency food assistance programs that can help bridge the gap. Also, file a police report ASAP as your county worker will need that documentation.

omg this happend to my sister last month!!! thieves are everywhere these days its so messed up. she nevr got her money back tho, they told her once its spent its gone. try 211 they might have emergency food help

This is why I always empty my EBT card right when benefits load and buy shelf-stable stuff. Can't steal what's not on the card!

I work with a community organization that helps CalFresh recipients, and unfortunately this is becoming extremely common. The state hasn't implemented proper security measures despite the rise in EBT theft. Here's what you need to do: 1. Report to county office IMMEDIATELY (not just EBT customer service) 2. File a police report - get a case number 3. Ask specifically for form CF 303 "Request for Replacement" 4. Provide all transaction details showing the fraudulent purchases 5. Request a new card with a different number California does have a process for replacing stolen benefits, but it's not guaranteed and there are strict timeframes. You must report within 10 days of discovering the theft. The county investigates each case individually. While waiting, contact your local food bank and ask about emergency food assistance programs.

THE STATE KNOWS THIS IS HAPPENING AND DOES NOTHING!!!! i had $892 stolen last year and spent WEEKS trying to get it back. called and called and called and got nowhere. they say its "federal policy" that they cant replace stolen benefits but thats BS because other states DO replace them!!! the whole system is rigged against us!!!

I spent THREE DAYS trying to reach someone at my county office about this exact issue last month. Kept getting disconnected or told to call back later. Finally I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person at the county in under 10 minutes. They basically wait on hold for you then call you when they have a live worker. Saved me hours of frustration! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Once I actually talked to my worker, they told me about the new theft replacement process. I had to submit the police report and fill out their forms, but I did end up getting about 80% of my stolen benefits back after 3 weeks.

i herd they can track ur card if u report it stolen????? like they can see where its being used? maybe thats how they catch the thiefs?

As someone who's helped several clients with this issue, I want to clarify some information: 1. Yes, California now has a limited EBT theft reimbursement program as of October 2024 2. You must report the theft within 10 days of discovery 3. You need to submit form CF 303 along with a police report 4. The county can replace benefits stolen via skimming/electronic theft (not PIN-based transactions) 5. There's a maximum of two months of replacements per federal fiscal year 6. Processing time is typically 15-30 days The most critical factor is documenting everything and following up persistently. Many county workers aren't fully trained on the new replacement program yet, so you might need to specifically mention "Administrative Notice 24-12 regarding EBT benefit theft replacement" to get to the right person. Also, request a PIN change and new card immediately to prevent further theft.

Update on this issue: The state recently announced additional EBT security measures rolling out in 2025. They're finally adding chip technology to new cards and implementing transaction alerts via text message. But that doesn't help right now, unfortunately. One thing I didn't see mentioned - if you're approved for replacement benefits, make sure you request a new card with a different card number before those replacement benefits are loaded. Otherwise, if your card information was compromised through skimming, thieves could potentially access the replacement benefits too.